Jamie Carragher has hit out at Mamadou Sakho, claiming the defender has let himself and Liverpool down.

The France international is facing a UEFA drugs charge , relating to a possible anti-doping rule violation, after adverse findings during a routine test following the Europa League clash with Manchester United last month.

Mirror Sport understands Reds defender Sakho believes the substance to be unwittingly contained in a fat-burning product he has been taking to build lean muscle and watch his weight.

He has not been banned by Liverpool but will not be selected during the investigation.

And Carragher claims it is a "nightmare" for Sakho - who could be out of action for a YEAR.

"There's serious questions to be asked of him. For a professional footballer, as in any sport, it's not acceptable.

"He's had a great campaign. He's one of the leaders of the team now, certainly within that run, thinking about how well he played in the Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund games. It's now how Liverpool fill that void."